Bangalore vs New South Wales, 1st Semi-final

From being close to being dumped out, Bangalore have made a stunning comeback to enter the finals of the CL T20. They will face either Mumbai or Somerset, two teams that were not expected to make it through to the semis. It has been a tournament for the underdogs and it might end in that manner. Do join us for the second semis from Chennai tomorrow. Until then, on behalf of my colleagues, this is Pradeep bidding you good-bye.

Kohli: I said two nights ago that such chases happen once, but we managed to do it twice. We had some idea going into the chase, but unfortunately Dilshan went cheaply. I have to say Chris takes away all the pressure on the others. It is a pleasure batting with him and his presence is always encouraging. I made the mistake the other day by getting out to their strike bowler, but this time I wanted to stay till the end. A big thank-you to the Bangalore crowd. I would still say the win against South Australia was bigger since we do not have a last ball six at all times. The crowd have always supported us all the way and we hope it stays the same in the future.

Virat Kohli is the MoM for his match winning unbeaten 84

Katich: I was happy with the score but Kohli and Gayle batted beautifully. Our fielding was not upto the scratch, and the missed chances cost us dear. The wicket was a bit sticky at the beginning, but credit to Bangalore for the chase. It was great to be a part of the tournament and we wish them the best for the finals.

Vettori: I think this has been pretty amazing. Two successive 200+ chases. Kohli and Gayle played absolutely brilliantly. It is always painful when we end up conceding 200+ runs but the batters stepped up for the team. We will go to Chennai and look to do well out there. We want a trophy for our efforts. Our bowling is a worry, but you have to feel for them on this track. The bowlers will be mighty happy that they will not need to bowl on this pitch.

Gayle: Brilliant effort to chase down 200. Warner was brilliant. The partnership between me and Kohli was superb. The plan was for Virat to bat through for the whole innings. I enjoy hitting sixes and I would like to play hard.

The boss of RCB, Siddarth Mallya went up and shook hands with each and every NSW player. He stated that this is the cup that they wanted to win and they are very close to achieving it.

Bangalore had topped 200 only once in their history and now have managed to do it twice in succession. They have severe issues with their bowling, but as we found out, this ground is a bit hard on the bowlers.

One has to feel for Warner though. Back to back hundreds and yet he no longer can do anything else in the tournament. Cummins impressed one and all with his pace and has the right attitude to become the next Aussie bowling super-star. They just fell against a team that is riding high on confidence and has the capability to chase down anything. This is their 2nd straight 200+ chase and this chase was like a walk in the park for Gayle, Kohli and co.

The red contingent of the RCB legion are out savouring the moment. Vettori rushes in and bear hugs Virat Kohli. RCB were down in the dumps at this time last week and now are in the finals. The entire team is going around the stadium for a lap of honour. They will now travel to Chennai for the finals where they will meet either Mumbai or Somerset.

18.3 Steven Smith to Kaif, FOUR!!, and Kaif finishes it off. Tossed up outside off. Kaif gets to the pitch of the ball and lofts it over mid-off. A sea of red out in the middle as the entire RCB contingent rush to celebrate with the batsmen in the middle. RCB are into their 2nd finals of the year. This will be their first appearence in the finals of the CL T20.

18.2 Steven Smith to Kaif, FOUR!!, short delivery on the stumps. Kaif rocks back and pulls it over mid-on for a boundary. Top shot from Kaif

18.1 Steven Smith to Kaif, no run, tossed up on the pads. Kaif was looking to let it go, the ball thuds into his pads

Steven Smith [2.0-0-16-0] is back into the attack

17.6 Starc to Virat Kohli, FOUR!!, Supreme, yorker length delivery outside off. Virat Kohli opens the face of the bat and squeezes a fulish delivery, he manages to bisect the two men in the ring. Bangalore are almost home and dry

17.5 Starc to Virat Kohli, FOUR!!, good length delivery outside off. Virat Kohli carves a drive just over cover. O'Keefe puts in a brave dive running in from sweeper cover, but fails to keep it in the field of play

17.4 Starc to Virat Kohli, SIX!!, Pressure relieving shot and Virat Kohli is pumped up, full and outside off. Virat Kohli swings through the line and clears mid-off with utmost ease. Top shot under pressure

17.3 Starc to Virat Kohli, 2 runs, Virat Kohli looks to hit his way out of trouble. Virat Kohli clubs a length delivery wide of the onrushing Henriques at widish long on. The ball just bounces in front of him, the batsmen take two

17.2 Starc to Virat Kohli, no run, a hint of pressure getting into Virat Kohli , goes for a wild swing and misses

17.1 Starc to Virat Kohli, no run, good length delivery outside off. Virat Kohli drives it straight to the fielder at mid-off

Mitchell Starc [2.0-0-25-0] is back into the attack

16.6 Clark to Kaif, 2 runs, short of good length outside off. Kaif scythes a cut wide of sweeper couple for a couple. Are we heading for a tense finish?

16.4 Clark to Kaif, 1 run, another short delivery outside off. Kaif pulls it without any timing to long on

16.3 Clark to Kaif, no run, back of a length delivery outside off. Kaif punches it straight to the fielder at mid-off

16.2 Clark to Virat Kohli, 1 run, back of a length delivery outside off. Virat Kohli mistimes a pull to deep mid-wicket for a single. His timing is suddenly off the radar

16.1 Clark to Kaif, 1 run, short delivery on the stumps. Kaif pulls it without much timing for a single to mid-wicket

Stuart Clark [3.0-0-25-0] is back into the attack

15.6 P Cummins to Virat Kohli, no run, P Cummins ends a good spell with another delivery outside off. Virat Kohli is happy to defend it. Fine spell though from P Cummins. He was a touch expensive but who will not be when Gayle was going all guns blazing

15.4 P Cummins to Virat Kohli, no run, fuller length delivery tailing back into Virat Kohli, he flicks and finds the man at mid-wicket

15.3 P Cummins to Virat Kohli, no run, fuller length delivery on the stumps. Virat Kohli defends it towards the onside and wants a single, Kaif is not interested and Virat Kohli has to hurry to get back. The 3rd umpire has been called for, but Virat Kohli was well in

Replays show that Mayank Agarwal was very unlucky to be given out. The bat was miles away from the ball

15.3 P Cummins to Kaif, no ball, 1 run, high full toss to welcome Kaif. No-Ball signalled for height. Kaif manages to work it towards square leg for a single

Mohammad Kaif, right handed bat, comes to the crease

15.2 P Cummins to Agarwal, out Caught by Daniel Smith!! Are Bangalore collapsing?, full and outside off. Agarwal pushes at that without any convinction, the outside edge is found and it safely nestles into the gloves of Daniel Smith. Agarwal looked surprised when he was given out. Was there a nick on that one? Agarwal c Daniel Smith b P Cummins 7(4) [6s-1]

P Cummins to Agarwal, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

15.1 P Cummins to Virat Kohli, 1 run, back of a length delivery on the hips, Virat Kohli works it to backward square leg for a single

Cummins is on a hat-trick

14.6 O'Keefe to Agarwal, no run, Beauty, what a comeback from O'Keefe, loop, guile and spin all in one delivery. Agarwal pokes forward hesitantly, the ball goes past the bat. Daniel Smith was confident that there was bat on that, umpire Dharmasena is unmoved

14.5 O'Keefe to Agarwal, SIX!!, Agarwal joins the party. , flighted delivery on the stumps. Agarwal gets to the pitch of the ball and creams it way into the stands at long on, massive six

14.4 O'Keefe to Virat Kohli, 1 run, flatter delivery outside off. Virat Kohli cuts it square of the wicket for a single

14.3 O'Keefe to Agarwal, 1 run, short and spinning away. Agarwal backs away a touch and cuts it to deep point

14.2 O'Keefe to Virat Kohli, 1 run, flighted delivery outside off and spinning in. Virat Kohli backs away and dabs it wide of point for a single

13.6 P Cummins to Saurabh Tiwary, out Bowled!! Stunning yorker and the Chinnaswamy has been stunned into silence. Is there some fight remaining in this NSW team? P Cummins comes in from round the wicket and darts in a terrific yorker at the base of the middle stump. Saurabh Tiwary is very late in bringing his bat down. The middle stump is up-rooted. Saurabh Tiwary b P Cummins 0(1)

P Cummins to Saurabh Tiwary, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

Saurabh Tiwary, left handed bat, comes to the crease

13.5 P Cummins to Gayle, out Lbw!! Gayle's fun ends, but what an innings this has been. Nice variation of pace from P Cummins, this one was the slower off-cutter that was jagging back in. Gayle was caught in his crease as he looked to play the flick. He was rapped on the pads in front of off-stump. The height was the only issue. Umpire Erasmus takes his time and sends Gayle on his way. Gayle lbw b P Cummins 92(41) [4s-8 6s-8]

P Cummins to Gayle, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

13.4 P Cummins to Gayle, FOUR!!, raw power and followed by finesse, short and outside off. Gayle opens the face of the bat and cuts it past the two men in the ring at point and short third man

13.3 P Cummins to Gayle, SIX!!, this time Gayle manages to clear the stadium, slower delivery on the stumps. Gayle gives the charge and tonks it back over the bowler's head and out of the Chinnaswamy. 112 mtrs on that shot, the biggest six of the tournament

13.2 P Cummins to Gayle, no run, slower delivery outside off. Gayle mistimes a drive back to the bowler

13.2 P Cummins to Gayle, wide, short loopy bouncer outside off. Nothing is going NSW's way as it is signalled as a wide for height

12.6 Warner to Gayle, no run, Warner gives this one a lot of air. Gayle defends it back to the bowler

12.5 Warner to Virat Kohli, 1 run, flighted delivery on the stumps. Virat Kohli drives it to long on for a single

12.4 Warner to Virat Kohli, FOUR!!, full marks for the effort though. Virat Kohli did not get the required timing or power behind the pull. Henriques ran across from long on, puts in a brave dive to catch it. The ball just eludes his outstretched hands and into the ropes

12.3 Warner to Gayle, 1 run, Gayle punches a full toss on the pads to deep mid wicket for a single

12.2 Warner to Virat Kohli, 1 run, flatter and outside off. Virat Kohli pulls it to long on for a single

12.1 Warner to Virat Kohli, SIX!!, What a welcome to the bowler, Mr. Warner, flighted delivery outside off. Virat Kohli plays the lofted drive inside out and clears the man at long off with relative ease. Magnificent batting

David Warner, right-arm leg break, comes into the attack

11.6 Steven Smith to Virat Kohli, 1 run, FIFTY for Virat Kohli, a delightful innings this has been. Virat Kohli will keep the strike with a single to long on

11.4 Steven Smith to Virat Kohli, FOUR!!, Virat Kohli wants to join the fun. Short and sitting up to be smacked. Virat Kohli delivers the coup de grace with a well timed pull past mid-wicket. NSW are bleeding runs here

11.3 Steven Smith to Gayle, 1 run, flatter delivery on the stumps. Gayle pulls it wide of long on. There was always a second there, but Gayle is happy with the single

11.2 Steven Smith to Gayle, SIX!!, too short from Steven Smith, easy pickings for Gayle as he pulls it monstrously into the stands

11.1 Steven Smith to Virat Kohli, 1 run, catch dropped by Cummins. Unbelivable, loopy delivery spinning away, Virat Kohli opens the face of the bat and slices it towards deep extra cover, Cummins was well placed to take the catch, gets both hands and shells it

10.6 Henriques to Gayle, no run, flighted delivery outside off. Gayle chops it straight to the fielder at point

10.5 Henriques to Gayle, SIX!!, If there was no roof on the top of the stadium, this would have landed in Cubbon Park, short delivery on the stumps. Gayle plays the pick up pull and deposits it high and handsome. The ball hits the top of the roof and bounces back into the field of play. The crowds have gone absolute bonkers

10.4 Henriques to Virat Kohli, 1 run, back of a length delivery on the stumps, Virat Kohli works it to deep mid-wicket

10.3 Henriques to Gayle, 1 run, short of good length outside off. Gayle drives it uppishly past the bowler for a single

10.2 Henriques to Virat Kohli, 1 run, good length delivery outside off. Virat Kohli drills it to sweeper cover for a single

10.1 Henriques to Virat Kohli, SIX!!, 3 dot balls and Virat Kohli says it is time for some fun, fuller delivery outside off, Virat Kohli gets underneath the lofted on-drive. It goes deep into the crowds at widish long on

9.6 Steven Smith to Gayle, no run, tossed up outside off. Gayle is content in defending it

9.5 Steven Smith to Gayle, no run, flighted delivery outside off and spinning away. Gayle goes for an almighty sweep and misses

9.4 Steven Smith to Gayle, no run, the off-spinner from a leggie, moves away from the face of the bat of Gayle, he looks to cut and is beaten

9.3 Steven Smith to Virat Kohli, 1 run, shorter delivery on the stumps. Virat Kohli rocks back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket

9.2 Steven Smith to Gayle, 1 run, flatter and spinning away. Gayle reaches out to the cut to deep backward point, a slight fumble out there, but Gayle is not interested

9.1 Steven Smith to Virat Kohli, 1 run, tossed up invitingly. Virat Kohli looks to go over extra cover and slices it towards deep point for a single

Steven Smith, right-arm leg break, comes into the attack

85 off 37 balls, the partnership

8.6 Henriques to Gayle, no run, Henriques is lucky to get away with this one, back of a length delivery on the hips. Gayle turns it straight to the fielder at short fine leg

8.5 Henriques to Gayle, SIX!!, the Gayle show continues, full and outside off, it was right in the slot for Gayle, lovely extension of the arms as he lofts it up and over extra cover for another maximum

8.4 Henriques to Virat Kohli, 1 run, fastest team 100 in CL T20 history, Virat Kohli works it to mid-wicket for a single

8.3 Henriques to Gayle, 1 run, short and outside off. Gayle punches it in the air towards long off for a single

8.2 Henriques to Virat Kohli, 1 run, short delivery on the stumps. Virat Kohli pulls it in the air towards deep mid-wicket for a single

8.1 Henriques to Virat Kohli, no run, full and outside off. Kohli drives it crisply but straight to the fielder at cover

Moises Henriques, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

7.6 Clark to Virat Kohli, 1 run, Virat Kohli will keep strike by working a length delivery to backward square leg for a single

7.4 Clark to Virat Kohli, 2 runs, the fielders are feeling the heat. Virat Kohli works this one to long on where Henriques makes a meal of a simple stop and concedes an extra run

7.3 Clark to Gayle, 1 run, sanity, Gayle nudges a length delivery towards the onside for a single

7.2 Clark to Virat Kohli, 1 run, back of a length delivery on the stumps. Virat Kohli works it wide of mid-wicket for a single

7.1 Clark to Virat Kohli, FOUR!!, Boundaries are coming in an absolute hurry. Short and outside off. Virat Kohli gets on top of the cut and blazes it past point for a boundary. This has been a cracking start from RCB

Stuart Clark [2.0-0-16-0] is back into the attack

6.6 O'Keefe to Gayle, FOUR!!, finesse of a craftsman, short and just outside off. Gayle opens the face of the bat and steers it past the keeper. Deft touch from Gayle

6.5 O'Keefe to Gayle, FOUR!!, catch it was the call, but such was the power behind the flick that the man at mid-wicket was a mute spectator. O'Keefe is bleeding runs here

6.5 O'Keefe to Gayle, wide, flatter and down the leg, wide signalled

6.4 O'Keefe to Virat Kohli, 1 run, loopy delivery on the stumps. Virat Kohli works it wide of mid-wicket for a single

6.3 O'Keefe to Gayle, 1 run, flighted delivery on the pads. Gayle works it to backward square leg for a single. FIFTY as well for Mr. Destruction, 2nd fastest in CL T20 history, his 15th as well

6.2 O'Keefe to Gayle, no run, flatter and quicker. Gayle defends it back to the bowler

6.1 O'Keefe to Gayle, SIX!!, Welcome Mr. O' Keefe, flighted delivery on the stumps. Gayle gets to the pitch of the ball and mows it deep into the crowds over mid-wicket. Stunning shot

Steve O'Keefe, left-arm orthodox, comes into the attack

38 runs have come in the last 2 overs and 71 runs in the PP

5.6 Starc to Virat Kohli, FOUR!!, Virat Kohli is taking Starc for dinner here. This is very poor indeed from him. Full and on the pads, Virat Kohli wristily works it past short fine leg for another boundary

5.5 Starc to Virat Kohli, FOUR!!, Too short from Starc. Virat Kohli rolls his wrists and pulls it in front of square. The man at deep square leg is very square. Terrific start from RCB

5.4 Starc to Virat Kohli, no run, full toss outside off. Virat Kohli is taken by surprise and tamely drives it to cover

5.3 Starc to Virat Kohli, FOUR!!, Starc has lost his line yet again. Back of a length from round the wicket, Virat Kohli clips it towards backward square leg. Nobody out there to prevent the boundary

5.2 Starc to Virat Kohli, no run, back of a length delivery outside off. Virat Kohli chops it straight to the fielder at backward point

5.1 Starc to Virat Kohli, FOUR!!, short, wide, four. Virat Kohli cracks a short delivery past point for a boundary. He is in top form at the moment and making it count

Mitchell Starc [1.0-0-9-0] is back into the attack

4.6 P Cummins to Gayle, FOUR!!, the lengths have been poor from P Cummins in this over. Full and on the legs, easily clipped away past short fine for another boundary. Gayle is on fire. 22 off the over from P Cummins

4.4 P Cummins to Gayle, SIX!!, P Cummins comes from round the wicket, but the result is the same. Full and on the stumps. Gayle clears his left leg a bit and goes back over the bowler's head. Another maximum for the Calypso King

4.4 P Cummins to Gayle, wide, P Cummins looks to vary his pace and bowls a short loopy bouncer outside off. It was a bit too wide though and aptly signalled

4.3 P Cummins to Gayle, SIX!!, dont bowl short to this man. Another rank half tracker on the leg-stump. Gayle picks up the pull and goes miles into the stands at deep square leg.

4.1 P Cummins to Virat Kohli, FOUR!!, Shot, good length delivery outside off. Virat Kohli stays in his crease and plays a drive on the up. The men in the off-side cordon were left gasping as the ball sped away to the deep cover boundary

3.6 Clark to Gayle, no run, short and outside off. Gayle cracks a cut and finds the man at cover point

3.5 Clark to Gayle, no run, Clark comes from round the wicket and bowls another short delivery outside off. Gayle looks to pull it in the same direction again and misses

3.4 Clark to Gayle, SIX!!, Six No. 200 in the CL T20, short and on the stumps. Gayle waits for it and pulls it enormously over mid-wicket for a massive six. We are in for a contest

3.3 Clark to Gayle, FOUR!!, another slower delivery but Gayle was waiting for it. He plays the flat pull back past the bowler and Virat Kohli. There is only one direction the ball was heading to

3.2 Clark to Gayle, no run, slower bouncer just outside off. Gayle was looking to launch it out of the stadium and ends up playing it very early

3.1 Clark to Virat Kohli, 1 run, length delivery on the pads. Virat Kohli works it to deep mid-wicket for an easy single

Stuart Clark [1.0-0-5-0] is back into the attack

2.6 P Cummins to Virat Kohli, 1 run, excellent pace from P Cummins. Virat Kohli is late in trying to withdraw his bat, the ball flies off the outer half of the bat towards third man. Fine start from the youngster

Virat Kohli, right handed bat, comes to the crease

2.5 P Cummins to Dilshan, out Caught by Henriques!! The pace of P Cummins does Dilshan in. Good length delivery outside off. Dilshan is eons late in playing the lofted drive. The ball hits the splice of the bat and lobs towards Henriques at mid-off. An early breakthrough for the blues. The hero of the last game is gone for Bangalore. Dilshan c Henriques b P Cummins 4(9) [4s-1]

P Cummins to Dilshan, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

2.4 P Cummins to Dilshan, no run, short of good length outside off. Dilshan was very early into the pull. The ball dribbles towards mid-wicket. He was surprised by the pace of P Cummins there

2.3 P Cummins to Gayle, 1 run, short delivery on the stumps. Gayle swivels and pulls it wide of Watson at mid-wicket. He seems to be struggling as he looks for a quick single, but does well to get home in time

2.2 P Cummins to Gayle, FOUR!!, full and outside off. Gayle backs away and drills it past extra cover. No need to run for those. Gayle has started in his usual positive fashion

2.1 P Cummins to Gayle, 2 runs, back of a length delivery outside off. Gayle opens the face of the bat and steers it wide of backward point. He is not a great runner, but does well to get back for a second

Pat Cummins, right-arm fast, comes into the attack

Apologies for the mistake while mentioning the dropped catch. It was Steve O'Keefe who dropped it and not Rohrer

1.6 Starc to Dilshan, no run, Dilshan looks to play the dilscoop yet again. It was right in the arc for the shot. Dilshan sets himself up, but is a trifle late in excecuting it. He is unhappy at having missed out

1.5 Starc to Dilshan, no run, short of good length outside off. Dilshan cuts but can't beat the man at point

1.4 Starc to Gayle, 1 run, good length delivery outside off. Gayle looks to thrash it towards cover, gets a bottom edge towards third man for a single

1.3 Starc to Gayle, FOUR!!, Pulled. Gayle likes the pace of Starc. Another short delivery outside off. Gayle clears his leg and pulls it ferociously over mid-wicket for another boundary

1.2 Starc to Gayle, FOUR!!, Hammered, short and wide outside off. Gayle throws his bat at that and clears point easily. Stand and deliver

1.1 Starc to Gayle, no run, good length delivery swinging away from outside off. Gayle is content to let it go

Mitchell Starc, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

0.6 Clark to Dilshan, FOUR!!, Dilscoop, short of good length outside off. Dilshan waits for it, opens the face of the bat like a pixel and helps it over the head of the keeper

0.5 Clark to Dilshan, no run, a hint of frustration from Dilshan, gives the charge to a length delivery and has a swipe, misses it completely

0.4 Clark to Dilshan, no run, good length delivery on the stumps. Dilshan looks to work towards the onside, gets a leading edge back towards the bowler

0.3 Clark to Dilshan, no run, catch dropped by Rohrer. Good length delivery outside off. Dilshan opens the face of the bat and slices it straight to point. Rohrer gets both his hands at a comfortable height and drops a dolly. Will it prove costly?

0.2 Clark to Dilshan, no run, short of good length on the stumps. Dilshan shuffles and defends it back towards the bowler

0.1 Clark to Gayle, 1 run, back of a length delivery on the stumps. Gayle is off the mark with a neat nudge towards short fine leg

Gayle and Dilshan are at the crease. Gayle is on strike. Clark will open the attack

Will lightning strike twice? Will Bangalore chase a 200+ score twice in succession or will NSW make their second straight finals? We will have all the answers in a short while.

Right, I, Sid V, am off to attend to my sore fingers. Pradeep will take you through for the RCB innings.

T20 cricket and my fingers simply don't go hand in hand. Another match at Bangalore and another high scoring innings. David Warner has been simply outstanding as he got to his second consecutive hundred in this format. 203/2 is a fantastic score but RCB have an excellent top order. Can RCB chase down 200 for the second consecutive match? We are all set for another humdinger here. Join us in a short while for the chase.

19.6 Aravind to Warner, 1 run, ends the over with a good ball, full and just outside off, Warner drills it to backward point to remain unbeaten for the second consecutive time

19.5 Aravind to Warner, SIX!!, the keeper is standing up but Warner is not going to change the way he plays, Aravind dishes out a short ball and Warner mauls it over deep mid wicket for another six

19.4 Aravind to Warner, FOUR!!, Warner is again on the walk, converts it to a low full toss as Warner belts it hard to the long on fence

19.3 Aravind to Warner, FOUR!!, once again Aravind misses his line and Warner blasts it hard straight down the ground for a boundary, the boundary riders better have insurance as this ball could kill them

19.2 Aravind to Warner, SIX!!, Warner has simply dumb-founded everybody with that shot, full ball outside off, Warner has to reach out for it, he carves it with immense power to the wide long off fence, 10 sixes for Warner and that is now the highest number of sixes for a player in an innings in the CLT20, going past Pollard's mark of nine

19.1 Aravind to Warner, 2 runs, low full toss on the stumps, Warner charges down the track madly and whacks it to long on, Rohrer is super fast in between the wickets and they take a couple

18.6 Bhatkal to Rohrer, 2 runs, short of length on the stumps, Rohrer top edges the pull but it falls safely at deep mid wicket for a couple, Warner will be on strike for the last over

18.5 Bhatkal to Warner, 1 run, a misfield from Bhatkal gives Warner his second consecutive hundred in T20 cricket, full and Warner drills it back to the bowler, Bhatkal cannot bend down in time and it goes in between his legs to mid off, he becomes the only man in cricket to score back to back hundreds in this format, take a bow, Mr. Warner

18.4 Bhatkal to Rohrer, 1 run, very full on middle and off, Rohrer drills it out to long on

18.2 Bhatkal to Warner, SIX!!, absolute clean hitting from Warner, juicy full toss outside off, Warner stays forward and massacres it flat and over the ropes at long off

18.1 Bhatkal to Rohrer, 1 run, full ball floated on the off stump, Rohrer drags it from slightly outside the off stump to deep mid wicket

Raju Bhatkal [3.0-0-29-0] is back into the attack

17.6 Aravind to Rohrer, 1 run, the back of the hand slower delivery, angles in on the middle and leg stump, Rohrer pulls it to deep square leg

17.5 Aravind to Warner, 1 run, low full toss outside off, Warner stretches forward and pushes it to extra cover, goes to Vettori who stops it

17.4 Aravind to Rohrer, 1 run, full and slower outside off, Rohrer looks to flay it through cover, gets an outside edge that falls safely at third man

17.3 Aravind to Warner, 1 run, very full outside the off stump, Warner drives it to sweeper cover

17.2 Aravind to Rohrer, 1 run, Warner was a goner there, if that had hit, length ball outside off, Rohrer punches it to point, Saurabh Tiwary has a shy at the stumps but he misses

Ben Rohrer, left handed bat, comes to the crease

17.1 Aravind to Daniel Smith, out Bowled!! Aravind can breathe a huge sigh of relief here. Very full and straight on the stumps, almost at yorker length as Daniel Smith shuffles to the off side and looks to flick it to the leg side, misses it and the ball uproots the middle stump, ends a brilliant partnership for NSW. Daniel Smith b Aravind 62(42) [4s-7 6s-3]

Aravind to Daniel Smith, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

Sreenath Aravind [2.0-0-27-0] is back into the attack

16.6 Nannes to Warner, no run, for the first time, somebody has managed to make Warner eat dirt here, back of a length and slow that spins away outside off, Warner again throws his bat at it but he slips as he plays that, falls on the pitch as the umpire does not give a wide, Warner has a wry smile on his face

16.5 Nannes to Warner, SIX!!, simply stunning from Warner, overpitched on middle, Warner lifts his bat high and mauls it straight and over the ropes, Nannes can only shake his head

16.3 Nannes to Warner, 1 run, edged but just short of the keeper, he could have left it alone and it might have been a wide, short and slow outside off, breaks away and Warner chases after it, he looks to hit that hard but gets a toe-end that falls in front of the keeper

16.2 Nannes to Warner, SIX!!, power and more power from this dynamite, low full toss on the stumps and Warner smokes it into the second tier of the stands at long on

16.1 Nannes to Warner, 2 runs, Warner walks down the track but Nannes drags the length short, Warner mistimes the pull to deep mid wicket but they come back for a couple

15.5 Bhatkal to Daniel Smith, 1 run, full and slower outside off, Daniel Smith shuffles to the off side and looks to short-arm jab it to the leg side, he gets an inside edge that rolls to cover

This is now the highest partnership for any wicket in the CLT20

15.4 Bhatkal to Warner, 1 run, full ball that lands on a yorker length on leg stump, Warner squeezes it out to point

15.3 Bhatkal to Warner, SIX!!, that is the Warner switch-hit, what a player, good length ball on the stumps, Warner switches the grip and and launches it over wide long off for a maximum, unbelievable stuff

15.1 Bhatkal to Daniel Smith, no run, interesting stuff attempted from Daniel Smith, length ball on the stumps, Daniel Smith stays on the crease and looks to scoop it over the keeper, he misses and he admonishes himself for missing out on that

14.6 Vettori to Daniel Smith, 1 run, low full toss is bunted down to long on

14.5 Vettori to Daniel Smith, SIX!!, this is even better from Daniel Smith, fuller in length around the off stump, Daniel Smith skips down the track and creams it over wide long off for another six, the timing was superb on that shot

14.4 Vettori to Warner, 1 run, full and quick on leg stump, Warner creams it to deep mid wicket

14.3 Vettori to Warner, SIX!!, even the mishits are going over the ropes, full toss on middle, Warner comes down the track and launches it over deep mid wicket, he did not time that well, but it was enough to sail over the ropes

14.2 Vettori to Warner, no run, tossed up on middle, drilled back to the bowler

14.1 Vettori to Daniel Smith, leg byes, 1 run, loud shout for an LBW, but not given, full and flat just outside off, Daniel Smith goes for the reverse sweep, misses it and gets rapped on the pads, RCB appeal but it was probaly hitting Daniel outside the line of off stump

Daniel Vettori [2.0-0-15-0] is back into the attack

13.6 Bhatkal to Daniel Smith, 1 run, again slower outside off, Daniel Smith moves a bit to the off side and thwacks it to long on

13.5 Bhatkal to Daniel Smith, SIX!!, what a way to get to his maiden FIFTY in T20 cricket, slow and short outside off, Daniel Smith waits for it and clobbers it over the head of the fielder at deep mid wicket, superb effort from Daniel Smith

13.4 Bhatkal to Daniel Smith, no run, good ball from Bhatkal, Daniel Smith was making room but Bhatkal bowls the yorker just outside off, Daniel Smith cannot squeeze it out

13.3 Bhatkal to Warner, 1 run, good length ball and Bhatkal rolls his fingers over that, Warner flat bats it to long off

13.2 Bhatkal to Daniel Smith, 1 run, short and slow outside off, Daniel Smith drags the shot from outside off and clubs it to long on

13.1 Bhatkal to Daniel Smith, no run, good length ball on the stumps, Daniel Smith shuffles to the off side and looks to help it down to fine leg, he swings and misses as the ball just goes over the leg stump

Raju Bhatkal [1.0-0-10-0] is back into the attack

12.6 Nannes to Warner, no run, another short ball and Warner misses out on the pull

12.5 Nannes to Daniel Smith, byes, 1 run, it is all happening here, Daniel Smith was again making room and Nannes followed him with a short ball close to the body, Daniel Smith misses out on the pull and Arun Karthik does not pick it up cleanly, the ball hits the keeper's pad and rolls to short third for a bye

12.4 Nannes to Daniel Smith, no run, good length ball but straight on middle, Daniel Smith clubs it back to the bowler

12.4 Nannes to Daniel Smith, wide, loud shout for a catch but wide given, short ball but down the leg side, Daniel Smith goes for the pull but gets cramped for room, he misses it and umpire Dharmasena gives it a wide, replays show that the bat was nowhere close to the ball

12.3 Nannes to Daniel Smith, no run, low full toss just on leg stump, Daniel Smith makes room and pushes it to mid on

12.2 Nannes to Daniel Smith, FOUR!!, unlucky for the bowler, short ball that hurries onto Daniel Smith, he moves away and looks to mow it over mid wicket, he swings and gets a top edge that goes over the keeper and to the third man fence

11.6 Aravind to Daniel Smith, FOUR!!, elegance and power in just one over on display from Daniel, again short but straight on the stumps, Daniel Smith swats it with immense power to deep mid wicket, the fielder had only a couple of paces to move to his left but he could not get there

11.5 Aravind to Daniel Smith, no run, short and slower on the pads, Daniel Smith nurdles it to square leg

11.4 Aravind to Daniel Smith, FOUR!!, Aravind continues to bleed here, fuller in length on leg stump, Daniel Smith again backs away to the leg side, glides this past Gayle at short third for another boundary

11.4 Aravind to Daniel Smith, wide, another slow bouncer, but it goes high over Daniel's head, wide given by the square leg umpire

11.3 Aravind to Daniel Smith, FOUR!!, elegantly done by Daniel Smith, short of length and slow on middle, Daniel Smith makes room and waits for it, bends the back leg and guides it past the keeper and to the third man fence

11.1 Aravind to Warner, SIX!!, Ian Bishop says on air that you can dial a six on demand when Warner is at the crease, length ball in the slot outside off, Warner swings through the line and smokes it well back into the stands at long on

10.6 Bhatkal to Warner, 1 run, short of length just outside off, Warner cracks it to deep point

10.5 Bhatkal to Daniel Smith, 1 run, just out of the reach of Vettori, length ball outside off, Daniel Smith shimmies down the pitch and looks to loft it down the ground, but ends up slicing it over extra cover, Vettori runs back and stretches out his right hand, but the ball falls just out of his reach and Daniel Smith survives

10.4 Bhatkal to Warner, 1 run, 20th T20FIFTY for Warner, short and wide outside off, Warner cuts it to sweeper cover, what an innings this has been from this wonderful player

10.3 Bhatkal to Warner, no run, good ball that, full length ball just outside off, bounces a touch more as Warner goes for the drive, gets beaten

10.2 Bhatkal to Daniel Smith, 1 run, another length ball but bowled slower this time, Daniel Smith whacks it without any timing to wide long on

10.1 Bhatkal to Daniel Smith, SIX!!, Daniel looks to get into the act now, Bhatkal serves up a length ball around the off stump, Daniel Smith gets forward and thwacks it over the ropes at deep mid wicket

Raju Bhatkal, comes into the attack

9.6 Aravind to Warner, FOUR!!, poor end to the over from Aravind, serves up a full toss on the off stump, Warner gets underneath it and thrashes it to the long on fence

9.5 Aravind to Daniel Smith, leg byes, 1 run, slow bouncer on the stumps, bowled from the back of the hand, Daniel Smith is a bit too early into the pull, it hits his arm and it goes to short third

Warner becomes the first person to reach 250 runs in the history of the CLT20.

9.4 Aravind to Warner, 1 run, 250 runs for Warner in this competition, full ball outside off, driven to long off

9.3 Aravind to Warner, 2 runs, length ball but on the pads, Warner clips it to mid wicket, goes into the vacant space and they steal a couple, the fielder fires a wild throw to the bowler but Daniel Smith dives in to make his crease

9.2 Aravind to Warner, no run, lands it on a good length and again darts back in off the seam, Warner gets hit on the pads and it rolls to the off side

9.1 Aravind to Warner, no run, good start by Aravind, fuller in length and it cuts away a touch in the channel outside off, Warner has a feel for it and gets beaten

Sreenath Aravind, left-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

8.6 Vettori to Daniel Smith, no run, flatter and it bounces a touch more, Daniel Smith makes room and guides it to short third man

8.5 Vettori to Daniel Smith, no run, slows this one and it spins away, Daniel Smith shimmies down the track and dabs it to point

8.4 Vettori to Warner, 1 run, fuller on the leg stump, Warner whirls his wrists and thumps it to long on

8.3 Vettori to Warner, no run, gives this some loop on the stumps, Warner defends it

8.2 Vettori to Daniel Smith, 1 run, drags this short just outside off, Daniel Smith rocks back and cuts it to sweeper cover, fifty partnership up between the two

For those wondering about my future team-mates statement, Warner and Gayle are going to open for the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League this year.

7.5 Gayle to Warner, SIX!!, Warner is showing Gayle who is the boss, fuller in length on middle, Warner once again bends down and clobbers the slog sweep onto the roof of the Chinnaswamy stadium, 100 mts was the distance of that hit, awesome hitting this from Warner

7.4 Gayle to Daniel Smith, 1 run, this one spins back in and Daniel Smith nudges it to short fine leg

7.3 Gayle to Daniel Smith, FOUR!!, flights this one with some air outside off, Daniel Smith goes for the drive, gets an outside edge that goes to the third man fence

7.2 Gayle to Warner, 1 run, gets this slow and short on leg stump, Warner is almost foxed by the slowness, but he watches it and pulls it to backward square leg

Right, future team-mate bowling to future team-mate.

Dilshan's spell is now the most economical spell by an RCB bowler in the CLT20, equalling Anil Kumble's record.

6.1 Dilshan to Warner, no run, bowled slower and it holds its line just outside off, Warner dabs it to point

5.6 Vettori to Warner, 1 run, RCB miss a run-out chance, Warner was a goner there if that hit, on the leg stump and Warner whips it to mid wicket, Mayank Agrawal moves in and fires a throw on the bounce to Vettori, but he cannot hit the stumps

5.5 Vettori to Warner, no run, this one is short and on leg stump, Warner pulls it to backward square leg but goes straight to the fielder

5.4 Vettori to Warner, SIX!!, massive hit this, 88 mts this hit, Vettori stays round the wicket and floats a tossed up delivery on the pads, Warner bends down and slog sweeps it well back into the stands at deep mid wicket, the ball made a great sound as it met the bat

5.2 Vettori to Daniel Smith, FOUR!!, this time Daniel connects, Vettori loops this one with some air, Smith swings through the line and clubs it over extra cover, one bounce over the ropes

5.1 Vettori to Daniel Smith, no run, in the air again but safe, tossed up and given some loop, the ball stops on Daniel Smith who drives it uppishly to point, Mayank Agrawal dives forward and tries to take it on the half-volley, but the ball just falls in front of him

Daniel Vettori, left-arm orthodox, comes into the attack

4.6 Dilshan to Warner, no run, this is a great spell from Dilshan, darted in on the pads, Warner closes the bat face and works it to mid wicket, the fielder comes in quickly and prevents the single

4.5 Dilshan to Daniel Smith, 1 run, floats this one slowly on the pads, Daniel Smith flicks it to short fine, Gayle dives to his left but parries it wide of the fielder for a single

4.4 Dilshan to Daniel Smith, no run, flighted delivery just outside off, Daniel Smith shimmies down the track, he almost gets beaten in the flight and squeezes it out to the leg side

4.3 Dilshan to Daniel Smith, no run, looped up with a bit more air on the off stump, Daniel Smith checks his shot and chips it wide of the bowler who gets to it

4.2 Dilshan to Warner, 1 run, flatter one pushed through on the middle and leg stump, Warner nudges it to mid wicket

4.1 Dilshan to Warner, no run, flatter and straight just around the off stump, Warner taps it to point

3.6 Nannes to Warner, 1 run, low full toss that tails back in a touch, Warner pushes it to wide mid off and they pinch another quick single

3.5 Nannes to Warner, SIX!!, you could hear the ball hitting the middle of the bat cleanly here, short and on the off stump, Warner crunches the pull shot well back into the stands at deep mid wicket

3.4 Nannes to Warner, FOUR!!, he has really hit that hard, short of length and wide outside off, Warner frees his arms and carves it high over backward point for another boundary

3.3 Nannes to Daniel Smith, 1 run, short ball that hurries onto Daniel Smith, he mistimes the pull and it rolls to short mid for a quick single

3.2 Nannes to Daniel Smith, FOUR!!, superb way to get off the mark, slightly overpitched outside off, Daniel Smith stays on the crease and hammers it uppishly past mid off for a blazing boundary

3.1 Nannes to Daniel Smith, no run, pitched up on the off stump, Daniel Smith pushes it to mid on where the fielder scores a direct hit at the bowler's end

2.6 Dilshan to Warner, no run, another excellent over from Dilshan comes to an end, dabs this one to point

2.5 Dilshan to Warner, no run, flatter on middle, defended back to the bowler

Daniel Smith, right handed bat, comes to the crease

2.4 Dilshan to Shane Watson, out Caught by Kaif!! Watto's horror tournament continues! Shorter in length and bowled slower on the stumps, Watson lines himself up for the pull, he wants to hit it out of the ground but the ball hits the bat high on the splice, the mistimed shot sails to long on where Kaif holds onto the catch. Shane Watson c Kaif b Dilshan 3(4)

Dilshan to Shane Watson, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

2.3 Dilshan to Warner, 1 run, shorter and down the leg side, Warner bends down and pulls it to short fine, but the fielder moves in and keeps it down to a single

2.2 Dilshan to Warner, no run, flatter ball on the stumps, holds its line as Warner plays it late, dabs it to backward point

2.1 Dilshan to Shane Watson, 1 run, superb work in fact from Mayank, tossed up on middle, Watson bends down and swings it over backward square leg, Mayank Agrawal moves to his right and with one hand, knocks the ball back inside the ropes, saves RCB three runs in the process

Third umpire being called for here to check whether it is a boundary. Looks like it is one, but a superb effort from Mayank Agrawal. Lots of time being taken here.

1.6 Nannes to Shane Watson, 1 run, a high full toss, but just below the waist, Watson bunts it to mid off for a quick single, expensive start for Dirk

1.6 Nannes to Shane Watson, wide, another wide and Nannes is struggling for control here, full ball that starts on leg stump but it curves even further down the leg side, the keeper dives to his left this time to stop it

1.5 Nannes to Warner, 1 run, back of a length and straight on the off stump, Warner punches it to mid on

1.4 Nannes to Warner, no run, good comeback though again from Nannes, fuller in length and it bends away outside off, Warner hangs his bat out and gets beaten

1.3 Nannes to Warner, FOUR!!, this is where Warner is so dangerous, full and in the slot outside off, Warner gets forward and lashes it uppishly past point for a boundary

1.2 Nannes to Warner, no run, better ball this from Nannes, the attempted yorker just outside off, dips on Warner and it curls into him, he goes for the drive but gets beaten

1.1 Nannes to Warner, FOUR!!, the third wide is prevented as Warner helps himself to a boundary, another low full toss that swerves away well wide of off stump, Warner reaches out for it and toe-ends it to third man, the fielder had no chance

1.1 Nannes to Warner, wide, 10th wide in the tournament for Nannes, the most conceded by a bowler in this competition, sprays this short and down the leg side, Warner misses the fine leg glance and the umpire gives it a wide

1.1 Nannes to Warner, wide, poor start for Nannes, very full and it curves away, but it goes well wide of off stump as well, the keeper dives to his left and stops it, wide given

Dirk Nannes, left-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

0.6 Dilshan to Warner, 1 run, quicker and darted in on the pads, Warner squeezes it out to short mid, ends a good over from Dilshan

Slip is now bein taken away for the final ball.

0.5 Dilshan to Warner, no run, drags this one short, Warner bends down and pulls it to square leg, but finds the fielder, Warner will be disappointed that he did not put that away to the fence

0.4 Dilshan to Warner, no run, quicker ball pushed through on the pads, nudged to square leg

0.3 Dilshan to Warner, no run, in the air but safe, gives this some air just outside off, the ball stops on Warner, he gets forward and stabs at it, the ball loops up to short cover where Kohli dives forward but the ball dies on him

0.2 Dilshan to Warner, no run, flatter ball angled in on middle and leg, Warner pushes it back to the bowler

0.1 Dilshan to Shane Watson, 1 run, drifts this onto the pads and it spins into Watto, he neatly works it with the spin to short fine to get off the mark

Right, we are all set for the first of the semi-finals in Bangalore. RCB are starting out with spin and it will be Dilshan. This is Sid V to take you through for the NSW innings.

Shane Watson and Warner are at the crease. Shane Watson is on strike. Dilshan will open the attack

Katich: We would have wanted to bowl first. We would want to put a similar display as we did against Chennai. We are playing the same side from the previous night. I can understand why teams would want to bowl first as the dew comes in later.

Vettori: We will bowl first. It suits our side. Syed Mohammad is out due to a dodgy knee and Kaif comes in. We think that there will be some dew tonight.

Bangalore have won the toss and elected to field

Pitch report: Kepler says there is no grass at all. The wicket is firm and the cracks won't open out. There is a bit of sheen on it as well. It will not matter whether you are bowling or batting first. According to Kepler, the captain winning the toss may choose to bowl first.

The contest will be between the two sets of openers. Gayle/Dilshan v Warner/Watson. The winner of this duel will be certainly well placed to win the match. NSW look like the better bowling unit but this is the first time they will be bowling on a pitch known for its quickness accompanied by the shorter boundaries. Will NSW enjoy the conditions or will they come unstuck in front of an explosive batting line up? We are definitely set for one of the most mouth watering contests of this years CL T20.

After an exciting league phase, it is time for the knock-outs. Bangalore, the home favourites will be taking on New South Wales who have looked like the real deal in the tournament so far. RCB became the first T20 League team to win against an Australian side and would like to continue with the momentum. New South Wales have the pedigree of being champions while RCB will look to make their first ever finals in the CL T20. Hello, and a warm welcome to one and all for the 1st semi final from the M. Chinnaswamy stadium, Bangalore.

Preview by Saurabh Somani

The last match that was played at the Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore saw 429 runs scored in 40 overs of batting carnage. The last two innings that the two semi-finalists of today - New South Wales and Bangalore - played fetched a combined total of 416 runs from 40 overs. Two things are blindingly clear: both sides' batsmen are in form and the pitch on which the match will be played has been good to batsmen in form. The first semi-final will likely be a run-glut.

Bangalore

The most important thing about Bangalore's victory over South Australia was not that they showed heart all through a daunting chase, or that many of their batsmen kept their cool even under great pressure - it was that they won a tough match without any starring role being played by Chris Gayle. All through T20 League 2011 and until Bangalore's previous match in the Champions League, very little had been won without a major contribution from Gayle. That such a big chase was achieved without him should give plenty of confidence to the Bangalore boys ahead of the knock-outs.

Bangalore's strengths are their top-order batting and the bowling of Daniel Vettori. Each of Gayle, Dilshan and Kohli have scored more than 100 runs in the tournament at strike-rates that range from very good (137 by Dilshan) to jaw-dropping (176 by Gayle). As for Vettori, he has been brilliant, with an economy rate of just 6.37 and 5 wickets in the 4 matches played so far. Conversely, Bangalore's weakness is in the fact that the lower-middle order does not inspire too much confidence in case of a top-order failure, and the bowling apart from Vettori has been rather easily hittable. One change they could consider is bringing in Abhimanyu Mithun for S Aravind, after the latter was taken for a whopping 69 runs in his 4 overs against South Australia.

New South Wales

As the tournament has gone on, the New South Wales Blues have only gotten better with every match they have played. They were beaten rather handily by the Cape Cobras in their first match, won a Super Over battle against Trinidad and Tobago in their next match, were run fairly close by the Mumbai, and then completely outplayed the Chennai. With two victories against two T20 League sides back-to-back, the Blues will fancy their chances of making it three in three when they take on the Bangalore.

New South Wales' main strength have been their bowlers. Amongst the bowlers to have bowled at least 10 overs for the, not a single one has gone for more than 7.3 runs per over. In conditions that are expected to favour batsmen, the ability of the bowlers to keep it tight will be possibly the most vital quality to possess. Their other strength has been the form of David Warner, who smashed a scintillating century against Chennai. The major worry, however, is the form of the rest of the batsmen. All the rest of the top order barring Warner, have struggled to get going. In fact, not a single batsman - again barring Warner - has a strike-rate of more than 110, which is just as worrisome as their bowlers' economy rates are impressive.

Key Players:

Chris Gayle: As long as he is there, even if Bangalore are chasing a huge target, they will feel confident of getting it. Gayle's made-to-order-for-Twenty20 game continues to be the cornerstone of Bangalore's might.

David Warner: What Gayle can do for Bangalore, Warner can do for New South Wales. He may have started the tournament a little slowly, but his innings against Chennai showed that he has shaken off the cobwebs. An under-rated ability of Warner that is lost amid his big-hitting, is his spectacular out-fielding. He is easily amongst the world's best out-fielders and there are few people who move as quickly to a ball as he does.

Virat Kohli: He scored about 75% of his runs from boundaries during his match-defining innings of 70 against South Australia, and more than the runs he scored or at the speed with which he got them (strike-rate of 194.4), Virat Kohli served notice that he had arrived as a Twenty20 batsman. He had played several good innings in this format in the past too, but this one was by far the most impressive.

Steven O'Keefe: In a bowling line-up containing the likes of Stuart Clark and Pat Cummins, Steve O'Keefe has emerged as the best bowler with his left-arm spin. He has taken 6 wickets in 4 matches, but more importantly has done so at an astounding economy rate of 5.7 runs per over. Amongst the bowlers left in the tournament, this is the best economy rate. He hasn't had much opportunity with the bat, but O'Keefe can be a pretty handy lower-order batsman to have too.

Final Word:

The battle of the match will be between Bangalore's strong top-order and New South Wales' strong bowling attack. The winner of that battle should be well placed to make it to the finals of the Champions League 2011.